e-Review archive
Global Connection
March 2005
 

Church leaders praise Supreme Court ban of juvenile executions

Mar. 2, 2005     News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05130} United Methodist News Service Welcoming new opportunities for justice that seek restoration over vengeance, United Methodist leaders lauded the U.S. Supreme Court for outlawing the execution of juvenile criminals. The March 1 ruling, they said, reflects a shift in both public and judicial sentiment about the fairness of capital punishment in general. Noting the United Methodist Church strongly opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, they called on the court to ban all executions in the United States. full story

NOMADS travel far, wide to help those in need

Mar. 2, 2005     News media contact:   Fran  Coode Walsh * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05130} United Methodist News Service FALFURRIAS, Texas — Nomads are, by definition, wanderers. But some nomads have a purpose in their wandering: reaching out to help communities and families along the way. About 1,100 members of the United Methodist Church's NOMADS (Nomads on a Mission Active in Divine Service) travel across the United States, repairing homes for needy families and doing renovation at churches, schools and community centers. Most are retirees who travel in their recreational vehicles. "We're missionaries, of a sort. That's how we think of ourselves," says Joanne Smith, a NOMADS member from Valparaiso, Ind. full story

United Methodist agency distributes sex harassment survey

Mar. 3, 2005     News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {05133} United Methodist News Service A sexual harassment survey is being sent to women involved in various areas of the United Methodist Church. Mailing of the survey, through the denomination's Commission on the Status and Role of Women, was to be completed by early March, according to Elaine Moy, COSROW staff executive. The deadline for returning the survey is the end of March. The sampling of 6,300 women includes all female employees of the church's general agencies, female employees of annual (regional) conferences, and 1,000 clergywomen. Copies for distribution to other women were sent to bishops, district superintendents, seminaries and 1,000 chairpersons of staff-parish committees at local churches. full story

Board aims to effect change through shareholder gatherings

Mar. 3, 2005     News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05134} United Methodist News Service The United Methodist Church's pension agency is supporting about 20 shareholder resolutions aimed at getting corporations to address such diverse concerns as the AIDS crisis and ethical management. "We want to focus corporate management's attention on issues such as HIV/AIDS, climate risk, global warming, workers' rights on an international level and issues of diversity at home," said Vidette Bullock Mixon, director of corporate relations and social concerns for the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits. "Food safety is an emerging issue," she continued. "And we want to continue to focus on corporate governance, that companies be open and transparent in their reporting information to investors." Representing the nation's largest faith-based pension fund, the Board of Pension and Health Benefits has nearly $12 billion in total assets, giving it the kind of clout that corporate executives listen to, Bullock Mixon said. full story

Church must be sanctuary to domestic abuse victims, survivor says

Mar. 4, 2005     News media contact:   Fran  Walsh * (615) 742-5458*  Nashville {05136} United Methodist News Service The first time Debbie Harsh was beaten by her husband, the injuries sent her to the hospital. Scared, demoralized and confused, she got out of the house, healed physically and immediately turned to the only place she felt safe: her church. "I always thought that the church would be the first place you go for help," she remembers. But the pastors at her nondenominational Christian church didn't know how to help Harsh. With good intentions, they sent her to a Christian counselor, who urged her to forgive her husband and drop an order of protection against him. The counselor's message was that "wives submit to your husband and husbands are the head of the house ... and he pointed out to me that I didn't have my husband's permission for that order of protection," Harsh said. When she returned to her husband, the violence continued. Fearing for her life and the safety of their two daughters, Harsh finally left her 16-year marriage for good in 2000 — against the advice of her pastors and church leaders. full story

Small churches represent opportunity for ministry, pastors learn

Mar. 7, 2005     News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05138} United Methodist News Service DURHAM, N.C. — Many new pastors are discovering a well-kept secret: Small congregations can be places of extraordinary ministry. Scott Chrostek, 26, made the discovery after being disappointed and upset when, midway through his first year at United Methodist-related Duke Divinity School, he received his first summer field education assignment. Surely, it was a mistake, he thought, or at least maybe somebody's idea of a joke. Chrostek, who is expected to graduate in 2006, had assumed he'd receive an internship with a large church similar to the one he attended growing up in a prosperous suburb of Detroit. A former financial analyst with a business and economics degree from the University of Michigan, he pictured himself spending the summer advising a large-church finance committee. full story

Oldest Methodist school in U.S. marks 175 years

Mar. 8, 2005     News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05141} United Methodist News Service ASHLAND, Va. — Nearly two centuries ago, Randolph-Macon College was born from a need the United Methodist Church had for educated ministers to spread their new faith in the new republic. Today, in its 175th year, the church-related college continues to answer that need, as well as celebrate its Methodist roots and longstanding commitment to a liberal arts and sciences education. full story

Students, teacher 'carry burden' for slain civil rights workers

Mar. 9, 2005     News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05143} United Methodist News Service In 1964, three young civil rights workers were murdered in Mississippi. In 2005, three young women and a history teacher in Illinois have become part of a movement that may finally see justice in the 40 year-old cases. full story

Committee works to celebrate, recognize older adult ministries

Mar. 9, 2005     News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05144} United Methodist News Service NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Society and the United Methodist Church are "graying," and the church cannot afford to abandon or under serve older adults, according to an expert on aging and older adult ministries. By 2020, the number of people in the United States over 50 will grow by 74 percent, while the number of people under 50 will grow by only 1 percent. In the United Methodist Church, about 62 percent of the members are 50 or older, said the Rev. Richard H. Gentzler Jr., director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. Gentzler was addressing the denomination's Committee on Older Adult Ministries at its first meeting for the 2005-2008 quadrennium in Nashville, March 5-7. The committee advocates for older adult concerns and supports ministries "by, with and for" older adults in the church and society. full story

Church leaders denounce Bush budget as 'unjust' to poor

Mar. 9, 2005     News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05145} United Methodist News Service WASHINGTON — Church and state collided March 8 as leaders of five mainline Protestant denominations, including a United Methodist executive, blasted President Bush's federal budget plan, denouncing proposed cuts in programs for the poor and tax breaks for the wealthy. "The 2006 federal budget that President Bush has sent to Capitol Hill is unjust," the group said in a statement released at a press conference in Washington. It criticized the White House, charging that the budget would move 300,000 people off food stamps, cut day care for 300,000 children and reduce funding for Medicaid, the joint federal-state health care program for low-income people, by $45 billion over the next 10 years. "For even as it reduces aid to those in poverty, this budget showers presents on the rich," the church leaders said. "If passed in its current form, it would make permanent tax cuts that have bestowed nearly three-quarters of the 'relief' on one-fifth of the country. Jesus makes clear that perpetrating economic injustice is among the gravest of sins. If passed in its current form, it would take Jesus' teaching on economic justice and stand it on its head." full story

United Methodists join in reaffirming Beijing goals for women

Mar. 14, 2005    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {05152} United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Ten years after a landmark conference in Beijing, China, world governments have reaffirmed their commitment to the advancement of women. Some 80 ministers and 1,800 delegates from 165 members states, as well as seven first ladies, participated in the 10-year review of the result of that conference-the Beijing Platform for Action-during the Feb. 28-March 11 Commission on the Status of Women meeting at the United Nations. Participating with them were more than 2,600 nongovernmental representatives, including United Methodists and Methodists who were part of a 75-member coalition called Ecumenical Women 2000. full story

Rural women face poverty, discrimination, panel says

Mar. 14, 2005    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {05153} United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Despite their important contribution to the world's breadbasket, rural women face challenges of poverty, illiteracy and gender discrimination, according to panelists speaking recently at the United Nations. In Africa, rural women work "from dawn to dusk" to produce 60 to 70 percent of the continent's food, according to Elmira Sellu, a United Methodist missionary serving in East Africa. "If it had not been for the rural women of Africa, we would not have enough to eat on our tables," she said. Yet those same women have no legal right to own the land they till, and they are further impacted by factors such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic and civil unrest across the continent, she said. full story

United Methodists rally for Korean-American church

Mar. 15, 2005    News media contact:   Tim  Tanton * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05156} United Methodist News Service CHICAGO — More than 400 United Methodists gathered in a snowy, muddy field on March 13 to worship and rally in support of a Korean-American congregation that has been trying for more than five years to build a church in the Long Grove suburb. The demonstrators, meeting on the proposed church site, came from United Methodist congregations across the Northern Illinois Annual (regional) Conference. Many wore bright blue T-shirts declaring, "I believe when you truly embrace diversity, you embrace God." Some wore yellow buttons that said, "Bring Vision to Long Grove." The rally was held in support of Vision United Methodist Church, which filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Village of Long Grove. full story

Bishop played important role in bringing peace to Mozambique

Mar. 16, 2005    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05158} United Methodist News Service MAPUTO, Mozambique — Joao S. Machado has a burden on his heart. He has just returned from visiting a village where he witnessed women and children drinking "muddy, brown water" from a ditch. As he tells the story, he can hardly breathe or talk. He wipes tears from his eyes as he remembers the image. "It was brown, brown water, but they are drinking it," he says, his voice rising. "I want to tell you I was trying to be strong enough not to collapse there. I don't know how these people are alive with water like that, but God is always good. They are living by the grace of God." full story

Methodists to assist fishing societies in Sri Lanka

Mar. 18, 2005    News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New York {05163} United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Methodists are working with fishing societies in Sri Lanka to help those whose livelihoods were destroyed by the Dec. 26 tsunami. The collaborative effort, funded at $100,000, is between the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka and the United Methodist Committee on Relief, according to the Rev. Kristin Sachen, UMCOR's head of disaster response. "The church, through its network, has identified 16 villages that basically have been destroyed," she said. full story

Intern finds heartbreak, hope in Ugandan camp

Mar. 21, 2005 United Methodist News Service MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Everyone has a story to tell, and the story of 16-year-old Akelo is not an easy one to hear. The teenage mother is caring for her 2-year-old daughter and infant son in a camp for internally displaced persons in the Pader District in northern Uganda. Abducted from her worn-torn home at gunpoint at age 12, Akelo spent four years in the bush with the Lords Resistance Army. full story

United Methodists need emergency funds to complete Russian seminary

Mar. 22, 2005  United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Emergency efforts are underway to develop a plan that will complete a United Methodist theological seminary building in Moscow and assure the institution's future operations. Officials of two of the denomination's general agencies are working with the new bishop of Moscow to find funds to complete a complex that will house both the seminary and the United Methodist offices for the Eurasia Area. The projected May dedication of the facility has been postponed because of a shortage of money to finish building it. The spring academic term also is in jeopardy because of a lack of operating capital. full story

Mission leader appeals for gun control in wake of Minnesota shootings

Mar. 23, 2005    United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — The Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive of the mission agency of the United Methodist Church, made a strong appeal for gun control in the wake of the shooting of 10 people in rural Minnesota on March 21. He reiterated a denominational call, made last year, for legislative action to limit the manufacture, sale, and possession of firearms, and urged schools, churches, and the entertainment industry, including video game makers, to do more to focus attention away from violence and gun use. full story

Mozambique's United Methodist churches specialize in welcoming

Mar. 23, 2005 United Methodist News Service MACIA, Mozambique — As soon as the white vehicle comes into sight, people start singing. Members of the John Wesley United Methodist Church in this remote village have been waiting all morning for "brothers and sisters" from the United Methodist Church in the United States. In a traditional welcome, women beat grain in a big black pot with tall wooden poles in rhythm to the singing. Hands are clapping and feet are stomping. "We thank the Lord for having opened the door to take us to this place," the translator whisper-shouts to the visitors as the welcoming singing soars. "We know he is listening and giving his strength because you are here." full story

Individual volunteers program offers chance to do more

Mar. 23, 2005  United Methodist News Service The Rev. David Barkley had been "reading and watching and praying about the terrible suffering going on around the world" and decided he wanted to assist in some tangible way. That decision led him to the individual volunteer program of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, a program sponsored by the denomination's Board of Global Ministries. In 2004, the program placed 164 individuals in 27 countries and 13 U.S. states, according to Jeanie Blankenbaker, the board executive in charge of mission volunteers. Length of placement can vary from two months to two years or more. full story

Volunteer service begins with application process

Mar. 23, 2005    United Methodist News Service NEW YORK — Individual mission volunteers often can choose where they want to serve — as long as they have an invitation. "We do not place anybody where it is not requested," said Greg Forrester, who is national coordinator of the individual volunteers program for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. full story

Father forgives man who murdered his son

Mar. 24, 2005    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05178} United Methodist News Service HARTFORD, Conn. — Three simple words — "I forgive you" — were the hardest ever written by the Rev. Walt Everett. Everett penned those words in a letter to the man who murdered his son.  Now, the two share what might seem an unlikely friendship. And the Connecticut minister encourages other crime victims to forgive while he also works to abolish the death penalty. full story

Black Methodists answer caucus' call for financial solvency

Mar. 24, 2005    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05179} United Methodist News Service MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Hugs, kisses and murmurs of "glad to see you" abounded as the family called Black Methodists for Church Renewal reunited for its 38th annual session. And as with family, when a member has a need — in spite of past conflicts — the family responds to alleviate the problem.  A clarion call to lay a strong financial and spiritual foundation for the continued existence of the black caucus was issued to the 500 black Methodists attending the March 16-19 national meeting. The call also was issued to the more than 2,400 African-American United Methodist congregations across the United States. full story

Worship central to African-American religious life

Mar. 24, 2005    News media contact:   Linda  Green * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05180} United Methodist News Service MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Worship is an integral part of a growing and vibrant church and is central to the African-American experience, as was evident throughout a four-day meeting of the United Methodist Church's black caucus. Nearly 500 African-American United Methodists came together March 16-19 in this coastal city to focus on building effective worship to enrich the membership of local churches and communities and make churches grow. full story

Church support helps deputies track dementia patients

Mar. 29, 2005    News media contact:   Fran  Walsh * (615) 742-5458*  Nashville {05181} United Methodist News Service Waving an oversized antenna as he roams the streets of downtown Coshocton, Ohio, Sheriff's Deputy Wes Wallace is attracting plenty of attention. "We're getting a better signal from that way," he mutters, undeterred by the stares of curious onlookers. As his antenna device beeps louder, he makes his way to the county courthouse. "There's our subject," he says, pointing his antenna at a man standing on the steps who wears a wristband transmitter. Wallace is showing off the Coshocton County Sheriff's Office's newest gadget, a device that can track down anyone wearing a transmitter bracelet. The bracelets will be worn by residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, so that deputies can quickly find them if they stray from home. full story

Drilling for water 'works miracles' in parched country

Mar. 30, 2005    News media contact:   Kathy  Gilbert * (615) 7425470*  Nashville {05184} United Methodist News Service MAPUTO, Mozambique (UMNS) — Women and girls wake early in the morning and spend their entire day walking to find water to bring home to their families. The quest leaves no time for education, play or rest. Any time of the day they can be seen on the dusty paths with heavy buckets of water balanced on their heads and a bucket in each hand. If they are lucky, they will reach a place with fresh, safe water. Most are not lucky. Many only find muddy rainwater. That is the reality for many people living in Mozambique. The concept of just walking into the kitchen and getting a glass of water is so foreign, most people in the country would probably think you were living in a dream world if you told them about such things. full story

Executive invites conversation with evangelical group, but urges not to forget real work

March 31, 2005     News media contact:  Kelly C. Martini * (212) 870-3729 *  New York Women's Division, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church Chief executive of the largest women’s organization in the United States released an open letter to the 8-million member United Methodist Church today. It offered responses to inquiries and an invitation to converse with an evangelical renewal network in the denomination. Dr. Jan Love, the deputy general secretary of the United Methodist Women’s Division, oversees the one-million member United Methodist Women — an organization with a 136-year heritage, which regularly has come under the attack of  such organizations. In her letter, Dr. Love addresses issues that have become “hot button” issues across mainline denominations. The letter is written publicly to the RENEW organization — an evangelical women’s organization who works in partnership with other well-funded evangelical organizations demanding changes in The United Methodist Church and other mainline denominations. For the first time, Dr. Love responds to RENEW’s most recent four-page letter to the Division, which raises a number of issues that have become divisive in mainline denominations and the country — ecumenical and interfaith work, mission, political involvement, the United Nations, homosexuality and abortion. full story

The church is on fire

March 17, 2005     News media contact:   Dean B. McIntyre * 877-899-2780, ext 7073 *  Nashville General Board of Discipleship Billy Graham tells the story of a fire that broke out in a rural church. The volunteer fire brigade raced to the church with sirens wailing. When they arrived, the pastor recognized a church member. "Hello there, Jim. I haven't seen you in church for a long time." "Well, preacher," answered Jim, "there hasn't been a fire in this church for a long time either." The story can be taken as a rebuke, directed either at people who miss worship or at churches that are dull and uninspiring. I prefer to take the story more positively, as an invitation to dream God's dreams for the church and the world. full story